The weekend is a time to relax and enjoy delicious food – and what’s better than some cheesy pasta? This dish is popular because it has so many variations and can be prepared easily by anyone. There’s a way to make pasta even quicker: using a mug and a microwave. This recipe makes a small portion of pasta that will satisfy your craving any time of day (or night). What’s more, you don’t need to use as many utensils to make it – so even less to wash up afterwards! Wondering how to make pasta in a mug? It’s very simple. Check out our recipe and tips below.

how to make pasta in a mug | 5 Easy Mug Pasta Recipes

_{Pro tip: When making mug pasta, be especially mindful of the quantity and cooking time. photo credit: iStock}

The basic method of making mug pasta remains the same:

• Fill a large mug halfway with pasta and water each. Add a pinch of salt.
• Place the mug in the microwave and cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes until al dente.
• Drain off excess water and add sauce, seasonings and toppings of your choice.
• Put the bowl back in the microwave and cook for 1-2 more minutes as needed. Keep stirring the pasta every 30 seconds to make sure the ingredients are well mixed.
• Garnish with herbs and enjoy hot.

Read also: 7 Mistakes You Should Avoid to Make Restaurant-Style Pasta

Tips to remember while making mug pasta:

1. Use the Right Mug
The mug you choose should be microwave-safe, and capable of holding 350ml or more. If you want to add additional toppings, you’ll need room in your mug for the flavor to spread.

2. Keep a Close Eye on Your Pasta
After 60 seconds in the microwave, take the mug out and stir it for another minute before returning it. This way you can also see if the pasta is cooking properly or not.
Read also: 13 Easy Microwave Recipes | 13 Quick and Simple Microwave Recipes

3. Use the Right Kind of Pasta

_{Smaller pasta, such as macaroni, are best cooked in a mug. photo credit: iStock}

If you’re doing this for the first time, it’s best to choose a smaller-sized pasta like macaroni, penne or fusilli. The limited space of the mug can make it difficult to cook spaghetti or fettuccine thoroughly.

4. Mind the Quantity
Don’t overload your pasta with too many ingredients – you don’t want it to overflow. Also, note that chicken or vegetables may need to be precooked before adding to the mug. It’s best to keep it simple. You can start with the recipe below.
Read also: This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the summer recipe that will make you swoon

Here are the 5 best mug pasta varieties you must try:

1. Cheesy White Sauce Pasta

This is one of the easiest pasta to make in a mug. All you need is milk, paneer, salt and spices. You can add other vegetables or chicken as per your choice. But even if you don’t, this pasta is sure to taste amazing. Once the pasta is al dente, add about 60 ml of milk and ½ cup of grated cheese to make the sauce. Then follow the rest of the instructions mentioned above.
Read also: Want a new kind of white sauce pasta? Try This Creamy Cauliflower Pasta

2. Red Sauce Pasta

Another classic, red sauce pasta has a lovely tangy flavor. You can add about 1-2 tbsp of tomato puree, 2 chopped garlic cloves and paneer to make a sauce for a mug. If you do not have puree then you can use ketchup. But mix the ketchup with chili flakes, oregano, and other herbs before adding it to the pasta to reduce its sweetness.

3. Pink Sauce Pasta

Get the best of both worlds with Pink Sauce Pasta. It is recommended to mix the ingredients of the sauce separately before pouring it into the mug. You can make pink sauce by mixing tomato pasta sauce/puree, cream, garlic, cheese, olive oil and spices. After mixing well, add 2-3 tbsp of sauce to the mug, stir and put back to cook in the microwave.

4. Pesto Pasta

_{Pesto sauce is a refreshing and delicious green sauce that can be used in a variety of ways. photo credit: iStock}

This option is for when you have extra time. Pesto sauce is made by mixing basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, cheese and pine nuts (you can use almonds in place of nuts). You may ask why go through all this trouble? Because you can use pesto in many ways. Apart from adding it to your mug pasta, you can also use it as a spread on bread slices or as a dip with chips. For the full Pesto Sauce recipe, click here.
Read also: All About Pesto Sauce – Origin Story, Varieties of Pesto Sauce and How to Use

5. Aglio Olio Pasta

If you’re using flat pasta like farfalle, you can also try making aglio olio in a mug. Penne or macaroni is not recommended as it is difficult to get the ‘sauce’ inside the hollow part of the pasta. To make the aglio olio sauce, in a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, chopped garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before pouring it into the pasta mug.
Read also: When Pasta Became Desi – Hilarious thread reveals what Indians add to Pasta

What are you waiting for? Try making mug pasta today! As we’ve shown you, it’s so simple and yet so rewarding! P.S. Don’t forget to keep a slice of garlic bread ready.